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Review
. 2014 Aug 5:4:111-120.
doi: 10.2147/DNND.S48618. eCollection 2014.

Optimal management of multiple sclerosis during pregnancy: current perspectives

Nadja Borisow  1 , Friedemann Paul  1 , Jan Dörr  1
Affiliations
Review

Optimal management of multiple sclerosis during pregnancy: current perspectives

Nadja Borisow et al. Degener Neurol Neuromuscul Dis. .

Abstract

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a common inflammatory demyelinating disorder of the central nervous system. It frequently affects females in their reproductive phase of life. Therefore, family planning, pregnancy, and breastfeeding are important issues in the management of MS, particularly with respect to counseling and drug treatment. This paper reviews currently available data on the outcome of pregnancies in MS patients and the influence of pregnancy on the course of the disease. We give an update on the use of various disease-modifying MS drugs during pregnancy and breastfeeding. In addition to established therapies such as interferon-β, glatiramer acetate, natalizumab, and fingolimod, we also discuss the state of knowledge about new agents such as dimethyl fumarate, teriflunomide, and alemtuzumab in the context of pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Keywords: disease-modifying therapy; lactation; multiple sclerosis; pregnancy.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors report no conflicts of interest in this work.

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